Question

Jason solved the following equation to find the value for

-8.5x – 3.5x = -78
x = 6.5
Describe how Jason can check his answer.

Answer 1

Substitute the value for x into the original equation.

Simplify using order of operations.

If the statement is true, Jason’s solution for x is correct.

If the statement is false, Jason’s solution for x is incorrect.

Answer 2

Sample Response: Jason needs to substitute the value he found for x in the original equation. Then he needs to use order of operations to simplify. If the result is a true statement then Jason’s solution is correct.